Columbus in top five Best Places to Raise a Family

Top Ten Best Places to Raise a Family

1 Honolulu, Hawaii 2 Virginia Beach, Virginia 3 Billings, Montana 4 Columbus, Georgia 5 San Diego, California 6 Des Moines, Iowa 7 Minneapolis, Minnesota 8 Madison, Wisconsin 9 Colorado Springs, Colorado 10 Santa Rosa, California

(Click here for the entire list)

At number four Columbus is being noticed on the national level. The study was done by Best Life. The results were aired on Good Morning America (click to view the clip). Columbus has been recognized "100 Best Communities for the Young," two years in a row.

The factors that were important in this study included: safe for children, good schools-student-teacher ratio, above average test scores, school district budgets, number of museums, parks and pediatricians. Statistics were also used from U.S. Census Bureau, National Center for Education Statistics, FBI, American Association of Museums, National Center for Health Statistics and the American Bar Association. They evaluated 257 cities across the country.

What makes Columbus special to you?

Small Business Week Activities
Recognizing Small Business with more than a week of activities

Small Business Week kicked off with a news conference

There was something for every small business in our region during this year's small business week which ran from May 19th through May 23.

These events included: Small Business Week news conference, Protect Yourself- Essentials of Small Business Risk Management Workshop, Columbus Council Small Business Week Proclamation, Small Business and the Arts Networking Reception, Small Business Economic Workshop, Commerce Day Symposium, Maximum Marketing Workshop, Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast, Small Business Recognition Gala and IWOW Graduation, and the Valley Partnership Economic Development Breakfast.
 

(c)Mayor Jim Wetherington presents the city's Small Business Week proclamation to (r) Stella Shulman, Chair of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and (l) Mike Mayhew, Chair of Small Business Recognition Committee.

"Why is small business so important to the regions economy?" said Mike Gaymon, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "Because they create a large share of new jobs in the region, one to five jobs at a time, and provide a broad range of services and products providing our region with the quality of life we all enjoy."

There are  14,000+ businesses in the Columbus, Georgia - Phenix City, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). More than 90 percent of these businesses are considered small businesses according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "Considering the future growth of this market there are not only opportunities for these local businesses but challenges as well," said Lori Auten, Area Director, UGA/Small Business Development Center. "The pace of change will be accelerating, therefore, the challenge for some businesses will be a great as the opportunity. All you have to look at is the growth at Fort Benning and the new Kia plant to see this growth is taking place right now."

(female center right) Anika Khan, chief economist, Wachovia talked about today's economy and its impact on small business May 20.

This week of activities was developed by the Small Business Recognition Committee of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce to provide recognition for the small businesses in the region and help them grow and succeed.

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Fort Worth began as an army outpost in 1849 to protect settlers from Indian attacks. It became the last major stop on the legendary Chisholm Trail. The railroad transformed the Fort Worth Stockyards into a premier livestock center. Later on oil made Fort Worth the center of wheeling and dealing.

Today, Fort Worth is the nation's 17th largest city. It is the fifth fastest-growing community of more than 100,000 people in the U.S. today. It's also home to large corporations such as Radio Shack and Pier One.

But Fort Worth has room for the little guys, too: The city presents a number of opportunities for small businesses, including an abundance of incentives and a laid-back tax structure. For companies that locate in one of the city's enterprise zones, investing at least $75,000 and creating 10 jobs, the city offers rewards ranging from reduced development fees to waivers on permit fees.

The hottest industry in Fort Worth is the life sciences - combined with Dallas, the region boasts nearly 500 biomedical technology businesses. But tourism is also a thriving sector, thanks to the nearly 10 million visitors that pass through the city annually. Tourists - and residents - enjoy the many rodeos, art galleries, and historical sites.

In May, voters approved, $150 million bond program dedicated to roadway infrastructure improvements. The 2008 bond program provides $81 million for arterial streets, $33 million for neighborhood streets, $7.5 million for traffic lights and other intersections improvements, $22.2 million for bridges, and $6.3 million for transportation grants and the city's public art program.

Sign up as an Early Bird by June 30 save $100.

Click here for registration form.

The Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals held their YP Committee Chairs Workshop On June 9 to introduce the program's volunteer chairs and vice chairs to the Chamber mission, departments and resources.

Incoming Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, Russ Carreker, explains the importance of Young Professionals to the overall Chamber mission and emphasizes opportunities for YP to enhance both economic and community development in the Greater Columbus Georgia Region.

During the two-hour workshop, YP volunteers heard from YP Chair John Pezold; incoming Chamber Chair Russ Carreker; and seven Chamber staff members who provided overviews of their departments. Moe's Southwest Grill generously provided lunch for the working portion of the workshop, where volunteers engaged in active dialogue regarding committee descriptions, responsibilities and goals for the 2008-2009 year.

The YP Committee Leadership Team is comprised of six chairs, six vice Chairs, and one subcommittee chair. Standing committees include Networking; Community & Cultural Engagement; Political Awareness & Engagement; Leadership Development; FUNdraising; and Marketing, with subcommittee Benefits & Opportunities. Of the 150 current YP members, 122 members have volunteered to serve on these committees.

The first YP committee meetings are scheduled to begin the week of June 23. For more information, please contact YP Program Manager Mary Johnson, 706-257-1194 or mjohnson@columbusgachamber.com

Partners In Education (PIE) awards banquet celebrated public private partnership in education naming the best partnerships in the region May 6. Partnerships of the year were Harris County High School partnered with Cessna and Columbus Cottonmouths; Midland Middle School partnered with Pratt & Whitney and Sprint; Downtown Magnet partnered with TSYS and Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus. Each Partnership of the Year received a $1,000 check for their school.

Harris County High School partnered with Cessna and Columbus Cottonmouths are working together developing an aviation program for fall 2009. This partnership is a great example of a two-way partnership between PIE and students. Some examples of participation include perfect attendance incentive program and ceremony, regular meetings to discuss the curriculum, supplies, equipment, software and instructors necessary to implement a quality aviation program. Cessna employees serve on various advisory committees within the school's CTEA department which influence and impact the curriculum, equipment, supplies and software. Cessna donated an airplane to be utilized in the aviation program. The time and knowledge they provide to assist the school improvement program is one of the most vital support efforts for the school.

Midland Middle School partnered with Pratt & Whitney and Sprint to provide field trips, gifts and recognition certificates to all students achieving all A's during the first semester. They also provided a recognition breakfast and certificates to the All Stars students nominated by their homeroom teachers for good citizenship, along with a recognition breakfast and certificates to all students who achieved perfect attendance during each grading period. The school received cellular telephones for parental contact. Their partners provided Midland T-shirts for students participating in the MCSD Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl. The companies often presided over and spoke at events thus exhibiting and reinforcing for the students the importance of doing well in school and succeeding. Partners' have a highly visible presence in these activities sending the message to students that education is important, scholarship and citizenship are desirable traits, and that the community as a whole recognizes and supports individual student achievement.

Downtown Magnet partnered with TSYS and Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus brings together a business and a civic club to impact the education process. TSYS supports the instructional program by providing awards for perfect attendance, no tardiness, Principal's list, A/B Honor Roll and "bringing up grades." The room representatives come to each classroom and award the incentives each report card period. Kiwanians award two students in upper and lower grades with prizes for passing the most accelerated reader test for the year. The students, their teachers and their parents are hosted at the weekly Kiwanis luncheon, their names are added to a perpetual plaque located near the media center and each of the students receives a United States savings bond. TSYS participates in a Downtown Magnet/TSYS basketball game each fall in support of "Red Ribbon Week," which is set aside to promote a drug-free lifestyle. The TSYS representatives are released from work duties to play in the basketball game, many of the room representatives come to cheer on their student's teachers as they play. TSYS department representatives adopt a classroom for the year and provide encouragement, financial support when needed for materials, field trip fees as well as serve as role models for the students during classroom visits which may also include craft sessions and story time. Students are invited to eat lunch at TSYS with their room representatives during the year giving insight as to the function of TSYS and the role each representative has during their work day. The Kiwanis volunteers have been readers and mentors to the students for the 12-year history of the school. TSYS representatives assist in tutoring students on math facts with a program called "Math Mania." Each child has to master basic math facts during a timed math test and the winners receive a coveted "Math Mania" T-shirt. TSYS leaders have invested in both their employees and our school by soliciting and developing teams to represent each classroom. They benefit from planning activities for students together and attending events at the school together. As they get to know the students better, they also get to know each other better as TSYS colleagues. During Partner In Education Week, the staff provides desserts to our TSYS representatives in their lunchroom along with art projects that were sent across the street from the children.

Partners In Education was established in 1987 (as Adopt-A-School). Partnerships provide for increased educational enrichment opportunities for students aimed at improving levels of achievement, self-esteem, and understanding of the expectations of the work world. Partnerships also provide for school staff education recognition thereby increasing staff morale and enthusiasm.

PIE covers Chattahoochee, Harris, Fort Benning, Muscogee and Talbot school districts as well as many private and church affiliated schools. There are 84 individual schools and 220 partners made up business partners, military partners, civic partners and church partners.

What is the impact? More than 26,800 volunteers hours in the partnerships.

There were 48 partnerships and four partners at large who achieved the gold partnership level. In order to become a gold partnership, the partners are fully engaged with a commitment to human and financial investments targeted at sponsoring programs that address four "key success factors." The key success factors include: enriching the life experience for the student, improving academic performance, growing career opportunities and providing faculty development and enrichment.

There were 5 silver level partnerships. To achieve a silver level the partners have a specifically defined role and limited resources concentrating on sponsoring one or more programs in support of two of the key success factors: enriching life experience for students and improving academic performance.

Two partnerships achieved bronze level of partnership had to obtain 100 out of the 400 eligible points.

More information about PIE please contact Dana Whaley at 706-596-7005 or dwhaley@columbusgachamber.com.

Networking events provide sponsors with the opportunity to shine by showcasing their company, products and services to an audience that is there to learn about area businesses and networking. Networking events provide exposure for your business. Open the door potentially to 250 new customers at one of three key networking events by the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Where else can you have an event planned for you with out having to lift a finger? Everything is planned for the networking events, all you have to do is put together your presentation to interests the members in your products and services.

What are you waiting for? Spaces for 2008 are limited and we are booking sponsorships for 2009 now. Don't miss your chance to sell your products and services.

Click for sign up forms!

GOO GOO Car Wash named Small Business Giant for May

Phil Wise, COO of GOO GOO Car Wash accepted the Small Business Giant Award at the May 22 Eye Opener Breakfast.

In 1945 Mr. R.D. Beck and his son Lamar began washing cars by hand on the side of their gas station and before long they were doing more business with the wash than with gas. By 1955 they built the first full-serve conveyor wash in Alabama and in 1972 took the name GOO GOO when they purchased a car wash of that name in Columbus. The name GOO GOO came from a comedian of the late 1930's and the local restaurant of the same name. Throughout the 1980's GOO GOO expanded into the construction and operation of self serve washes and in-bay automatics. During that same time they added a full line of car wash soap and chemicals and full serve maintenance.

Lamar, his son Roger Beck and partner Darren Bradham have expanded to 35 washes in the GOO GOO chain. In 2002 they built the first Express wash in the nation and presently are the largest industry franchisor of Express Washes in the country. GOO GOO Car Wash supports and is involved in fund raising for The Boy Scouts of America, St. Jude Children's Hospital and The US Marine Corps Reserve and "Toys for Tots" campaign.

Columbus Technical College Expands in a public-private partnership

This is an artist rendition of the new Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. Health Sciences Center at Columbus Technical College.

A dream that has been about six years in the making came true at Columbus Technical College May 20 with the breaking ground for the Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. Health Sciences Center at the site of the future campus on River Road.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, welcomes more than 300 people to the ground breaking at Columbus Technical College.

The Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. Health Sciences Center represents a public-private partnership with the State of Georgia committing more than $16 million to the project and the first private capital campaign benefiting the college, Tomorrow's Workforce… Today, has so far raised in excess of $9.5 million.

Columbus Technical College President J. Robert "Bob" Jones said "This is an historic day for Columbus Technical College. Our institution has always prided itself on training and educating members of our community based on the greatest need. The healthcare industry has been plagued with nursing and other shortages for years. This is the future and Columbus Technical College stands ready to respond."

The Director of the Tomorrow's Workforce… Today campaign, D.L. "Buddy" Merrill said, "The partnership is the first in the Technical College System of Georgia and will serve as a role model for others to follow."

Larry Sanders is the Chairman and CEO of Columbus Regional Healthcare System, Inc. He is looking also forward to the future. "Columbus Technical College has been a long time partner with the Columbus Regional family," Sanders said. "Our hospitals are ready and willing to hire more graduates from this fine institution. They always come to work with the latest skills and training. Knowing we'll soon have a much larger pool of applicants from Columbus Technical College will help keep our healthcare workforce going strong for years to come."

Once this facility is built, manned and furnished, Columbus Technical College will be able to educate and train more than twice the number of health sciences students that it currently can. In 2006, for example, Columbus Technical College's School of Health Sciences graduated 316 students. Two years after the new health sciences center is completed, 784 students will be able to graduate. That's a 248% increase! Construction on the approximately 84,000 square foot facility is scheduled to begin in the fall of this year with completion scheduled for mid-2010.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia and members of the local legislative delegation, and many other civic and community leaders participated in the ground breaking of the new Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. Health Sciences Center.

June 25th & 26th 2008 the Chamber's Executive Governmental Affairs Committee will host its 3rd Industry Leaders in Public Policy Event where Georgia Public Service Commissioner Bobby Baker will address the topic of "Energy, National Trends, and looming changes in the Market Place". Baker is one of five Commissioners elected state-wide with a mission to, "exercise its authority and influence to ensure that consumers receive safe, reliable and reasonably priced telecommunications, transportation, electric and natural gas services from financially viable and technically competent companies". Join your fellow Chamber Members during the morning of Thursday, June 26th 2008 at 7:30a.m. at the Convention & Trade Center for the Eye Opener Breakfast to hear the Honorable Bobby Baker discuss "Energy, National Trends, and looming changes in the Market Place".

Given current issues in Georgia like growing transportation demands with dwindling resources to pay for them, Peach Care, needed investments in water, air quality, and green-space, and the need for a pro-business culture in the state to facilitate continued job growth and capital investment, it is paramount that we have the "right" leadership representing Columbus, GA at the Capital in Atlanta, GA. The forum was held on Thursday, June 12th 2008 at 12 p.m. during the Chamber's Power Lunch in the Columbus Convention and Trade Center Sycamore Room.

Fort Benning's growth will impact our entire region

"Local and state leaders meet with representatives from the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment to discuss the impact of Fort Benning BRAC growth on schools and transportation infrastructure in the region."

This issue of the Chamber Express and future issues of the news letter will feature tables and information on the Maneuver Center of Excellence and its impact on the region. There are meetings and planning sessions going on every day to prepare the region for this growth. Look at the information and see how it will impact your business. There is an entire PowerPoint on Fort Benning's growth. (Click here)

If there is information you would like to see click here to let us know what is important to you.

When completed the growth of Fort Benning will equal a small town like Rome, Ga., moving into the region. To keep you abreast of the growth in this and future issues of the Chamber Express we will continue to provide information to help you plan for this growth in your business plan.

Impact of Fort Benning Growth-chart
U. S. Army Approved Growth Estimates
(01 May 2008)

Ribbon Cuttings:

Huddle House

Owners Laroy Powell and Mary Powell opened Huddle House #707 located at 1805 Victory Drive on April 11. It was attended by family, friends, city leaders and business associates.

Farrfield Manor

Farrfield Manor opened April 8. Wellcare of Georgia sponsored the event that included tours for the community. State Sen. Ed Harbison was among the dignitaries who spoke at the event. This HUD 202 community has 74 apartments for older adults, including four specially equipped units for the mobility impaired and or sensory impaired.

UniquExpressions

UniquExpressions held a 6 month meet and greet open house celebration April 18 at the 2511 Airport Thruway, suite G location. UniquExpressions is dedicated to supporting fine, American made arts and crafts. Their product include: jewelry, handbags, furniture, home furnishings. To learn more about their products call Tara Hall at 706-507-0515.

Play and Trade

Play and Trade held a ribbon cutting March 22 at their 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. Play and Trade provides a way to buy new and used video games, consoles, and accessories. The store is interactive, modern environment with guaranteed lowest prices and highest trade-in values. Unique to Play and Trade are tournaments, try before you buy, renewed program, retro gaming back to Atari, and console and disc repair. We offer military discounts everyday and our customer service exceeds expectations.

Reaching out Healthcare Adult Day Centre

Reaching Out Healthcare Adult Day Center hosted a ribbon cutting April 29 at their office at 122 Enterprise Court Suite B. For more information call 706-507-0449.

Tropical Smoothie Café

Tropical Smoothie Café celebrated their grand opening May 31 at 555 Whittlesey Blvd., Suite 2960 in Columbus Park Crossing next to Sears. Tropical Smoothie Café is more than just great smoothies, they offer a wide variety of gourmet wraps, specialty sandwiches and salads made with the highest quality Boars Head brand meats and cheeses. They are committed to quality. For more information call 706-257-1751.

Weichert Realtors

WEICHERT REALTORS, Ellis & Silva held a ribbon cutting at their office at 5700 Veterans Parkway, Ste. 300, on May 6.

2nd Ave Animal Hospital

2nd Avenue Animal Hospital opened their doors for business May 8 on 2nd Avenue. The grand opening ribbon cutting event included family, employees and friends. Dr. Rene' Lefranc's clinic is a state of the art facility and offers many service not offered by all Animal Hospitals. Dr. Lefranc is also one of the only Bi-lingual Veterinarians in the Columbus/Phenix City area. "At 2nd Avenue Animal Hospital we will offer the utmost in honesty, integrity, and compassion to provide our clients with the leading edge of medical technology. We will treat all pets as if they were our own with utmost devoted care."

SpringHill Suites

Springhill Suites at 5415 Whitlesey Blvd. held a ribbon cutting May 14 to open their new facility.

Independence Place

Independence Place opened May 28 at 1534 Antietam Drive. Independence Place offers fully furnished 1, 2 and four bedroom apartments. Independence Place rents units out per bedroom with all utilities included. This new community has state of the art amenities such as saltwater pool, computer lab, tanning facility, fitness center, game room and coffee bar.